Parliament is set to prohibit the use of mobile phones in the Chamber during proceedings once the reviewed Standing Orders of the House is adopted.
The use of cell phones during plenary has courted displeasure of many after a television station related how members choose to concentrate on their cell phones rather than the business of the House.
Majority leader and Minister for Parliamentary, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, gave the hint on Thursday, March 5th, 2020, while responding to questions arising from presentation of the Business Statement for the following week.
MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who had asked a question, courted displeasure of the Majority leader when he turned his attention on his mobile phones.
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Hon. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu drew the attention of the North Tongu legislator that rather than listen to responses for the questions he asked, he is fidgeting with his cell phones and noted members of the House, will not be allowed to bring their gadgets into the Chamber in the next Parliament.
He lamented that when MPs fidget with their mobile gadgets while the House is in session; it distracts them and their colleagues from the work of the House.
He said, “We need to demonstrate seriousness. When the President of the Republic is talking, members are fidgeting with their phones.”
“When the Minister responsible for Finance comes here, Members are fidgeting with their phones.”
“When Ministers are providing answers in the House, Members are fidgeting with their phones. It does not tell a good story about us.”
“Mr. Speaker, let’s be very honest with ourselves. The Parliament of Ghana is not the only Parliament in the world. There are established Parliaments in the world who do not allow members to come to Parliament with their cell phones.”
“That should be the order. Mr. Speaker, we shall apply this religiously once we adopt the new Standing Orders,” he stressed.
The majority leader stressed the House needs to make a determination on the matter hence the proposal for the ban.
